Advanced Security oldschool's cheapo laptop configuration

[Parkinsond]

I still have PS2 and old start menu AFAIK. Maybe due to A/B rollout?

I do not know; I searched for, but I could not find.
It was there when installed Windows (got it disabled).

 

[oldschool]

I do not know; I searched for, but I could not find.

I just checked this and it's gone. If I search for PS v2 in Start menu, it appears as V2, but I'm not sure which version it opens.

 

[Parkinsond]

I just checked this and it's gone. If I search for PS v2 in Start menu, it appears as V2, but I'm not sure which version it opens.

You are right; it is gone from features list, but still present in explorer and can be launched.

 

[Moonhorse]

Updated to 25H2 via this link. Easy, breezey.

Get ready for Windows 11 version 25H2 - Enablement Package and ISO downloads available

Windows IT Pro Blog: How easy is it to move to Windows 11, version 25H2? As easy as a quick restart if you're on version 24H2! Today, Windows 11, version 25H2 became available to the Windows Insider community, in advance of broader availability planned for the second half of 2025. Get ready for...

www.elevenforum.com

thanks for this, upgraded to 25H2 now waiting for features to roll out

 

[TuxTalk]

Same here :

 

[oldschool]

Minimal Firewall v2.4.2 is the most stable and least glitchy yet. I love that it's portable. I hope @deminimis keeps refining it.

 

[Parkinsond]

Minimal Firewall v2.4.2 is the most stable and least glitchy yet. I love that it's portable. I hope @deminimis keeps refining it.

CPU and RAM utilization?

 

[oldschool]

CPU = 0, RAM = ~15MB, only when UI is open, otherwise no RAM or CPU.

 

[Parkinsond]

CPU = 0, RAM = <15MB, only when UI is open, otherwise no RAM or CPU.

I already have installed Fort firewall today; but I can uninstall and give Minimal firewall another try; the first time was consuming lots of RAM and glitchy; hope it is more polished now.

 

[oldschool]

I already have installed Fort firewall today; but I can uninstall and give Minimal firewall another try; the first time was consuming lots of RAM and glitchy; hope it is more polished now.

It's much improved. I too had issues with the early versions. Not the latest.

 

[Parkinsond]

It's much improved. I too had issues with the early versions. Not the latest.

Installed it after uninstalling Fort firewall; it really improved a lot.
Do the rule still apply through Windows firewall after exit of Minimal firewall?

 

[oldschool]

Do the rule still apply through Windows firewall after exit of Minimal firewall?

Yes. That's the whole point. It's a front-end that doesn't mess with anything else on your system. It only writes rules, let's you view them, view connections, etc.

 

[rashmi]

Updated to 25H2 via this link. Easy, breezey.

Get ready for Windows 11 version 25H2 - Enablement Package and ISO downloads available

Windows IT Pro Blog: How easy is it to move to Windows 11, version 25H2? As easy as a quick restart if you're on version 24H2! Today, Windows 11, version 25H2 became available to the Windows Insider community, in advance of broader availability planned for the second half of 2025. Get ready for...

www.elevenforum.com

Does 25H2 have "Administrator Protection" and "Universal Apps Removal" in Windows Security and Group Policy?

 

[oldschool]

Does 25H2 have "Administrator Protection" and "Universal Apps Removal" in Windows Security and Group Policy?

NAFAIK. Maybe rolling out later, as usual. No Administrator Protection, but Universal Apps Removal is in Group Policy.

 

[rashmi]

NAFAIK. Maybe rolling out later, as usual. No Administrator Protection, but Universal Apps Removal is in Group Policy.

I installed 25H2; both are there, but it appears "Administrator Protection" (Group Policy) requires a higher build to work.

 

[lokamoka820]

Minimal Firewall v2.4.2 is the most stable and least glitchy yet. I love that it's portable. I hope @deminimis keeps refining it.

Is it the best software for controlling the firewall on Windows?

 

[oldschool]

I installed 25H2; both are there, but it appears "Administrator Protection" (Group Policy) requires a higher build to work.

I don't see AP. Where is it?

 

[rashmi]

I don't see AP. Where is it?

Search: secpol.msc > Local Policies > Security Options > User Account Control: Configure type of Admin Approval Mode (on the right).

 

[oldschool]

Is it the best software for controlling the firewall on Windows?

I'm not going to make that claim because it's very new. But I like that it's simple, portable, etc.. It truly is just a bare-bones front end for WF with a very clean UI. Very easy on the eyes.

 

[oldschool]

Switched to Firefox as my main browser since Chrome's "Delete data sites have saved to your device when you close all windows" is completely broken.